Sunday, December 26, 2010

How Bad Is It?

"Edmonton's paramedics have been told to slow down and are getting tickets for speeding.A memo sent by Alberta Health Services to Emergency Medical Services workers on Wednesday directed drivers "to respond within the posted speed limits even when responding with lights and siren.""It just doesn't make a lot of sense," said Elisabeth Ballermann, president of the Health Sciences Association of Alberta, which represents EMS workers.The union leader said the policy doesn't respect the experience and judgment of those behind the wheel and could end up costing lives."So, what, I'm called to a call where a child is choking, and because I can't go past 50 kilometres an hour, I make way for the fire engine who is going to get there before the trained paramedics?" asked Ballermann."